Karakul Lake

Kizilkum or Red sands due to the color of the sand is one of the biggest deserts in the region which spread in an area of 29800 sq kms. Most of the area is covered with sand but there are patches of clay and stony paths near the hilly parts. The winter temperatures are below freezing points around -10C while the summer temperatures could reach to 51C. The wide spread desert has many salt water bodies(lakes) varying in size and salt contents. Amudarya or Oxus river flows through the heart of Kizilkum thereby causing changes in the water levels of these lakes though these lakes are not receiving any visible water channel. The lakes support bi-annual migration of birds from south to north or vice versa moving out and into Siberia. The best months to see bird life on the lakes is around April-May and then later around Sep-Oct. These semi salt water lakes support a large variety of fish of which carp is mostly seen and eaten.

Karakul is one of the lakes which is closer to Khiva about 6/7 kms outside the city whose water is supporting the nearby fields of cotton and wheat. The lake is situated in the wilderness with no population around except for the fields. There is an interesting lake base which was developed during the Soviet time as a recreation resort but then abandoned due lack of funding and upkeep of the base quarters. Of recently Karakul has been taken over by a private concern which has built up a yurt camp – with real yurts and also constructed rooms in yurt shape as not to spoil the ecology of the place. These are modern rooms from inside with ensuite facilities and a restaurant and private hall. During the good season or cooler months lake side BBQ parties and dinners are held with wonderful views of sunset in the Kizilkum are sights never to be reckoned. The lake has fish varieties like common carp, cat fish, pike perch, barbell, roach in abundance and the local arrangements offers catch of such fish.